On February 9th we held the virtual Pitch Session for our second round of the Indigenous Tourism BC "Spark" Program. While all of our finalists pitched amazing and innovative ideas, we would like to congratulate our 3 winners:

• Kellie Aleck - Chevy Bear's Eatery (Traditional Food & Dance)
• Jaymie Campbell - White Otter Design Company (Arts & Cultural Hub)
• Russell Myers Ross - Yunesit’in Guest House (Horse Tours)

Those selected will receive a $5,000 seed grant and mentorship to help advance their new Indigenous tourism ideas to the next level of development. Stay tuned for updates on their progress.

​Presented by Destination BC and in collaboration with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, we are back with a second round of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program!

We are inviting entrepreneurs and innovators from across the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast to apply with new and innovative tourism ideas for the region.

Learn more at www.tourisminnovation.ca/CaribooChilcotinCoast

Our next Info Session (webinar) is taking place on February 22 @ 11:30am PST. Don't forget to register below!
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The deadline for the Kootenay Rockies Accessible Tourism "Spark" Program is fast approaching, with just about 2 weeks left until the February 28th deadline!

We are looking for new accessible tourism ideas for the Kootenay Rockies that enhance current accessible tourism offerings and address one or more of the following:

• Creates high-quality accessible tourism experiences
• Addresses gaps in accessible tourism products and services
• Motivates travel, longer stays and repeat visits
• Increases shoulder season visits and tourism spending

For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/KRT

Our last Info Session (webinar) is happening today - Monday, Feb. 13 @ 4pm PST. Don't forget to register below!
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​In recognizing the importance of collaboration and partnership in the face of challenges over the past few years, the BC Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC have come together to put on the third-annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference.

The 2023 conference will take place in Prince George, BC, from March 1 to March 3, 2023. Registration is now open!​

In Anishinaabemowin, Skode means fire! We invite you to apply and share the fire withing your heart!

Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to offer a third round of the Indigenous Tourism Skode Program in Ontario. 

The Skode (special edition “Spark”) Program matches selected applicants with a mentor and provides a $5,000 non-repayable financial contribution to advance their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. New for 2023 is a $20,000 grand prize to be awarded to one of the program winners.

​Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, businesses, community groups and non-profits are encouraged to bring forward new tourism ideas and experiences that authentically represent, celebrate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, language, cuisine and communities in Ontario. 

For more information and to watch a recording of an Info Session visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/ITO. The application is short and simple.

It's not too late! Apply today - Monday, Feb. 13 by 11:59pm!

​Do you have a new tourism idea for Peterborough & the Kawarthas? We will be making an official announcement of our second intake of the "Spark" Program in that region on February 14th. Follow our social media channels for updates!

The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference will be held on March 6, 7 & 8 in Hamilton, Ontario. The conference is presented by both Ontario’s Southwest (OSW) and Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association (HHBRTA), and will be offered both in-person and virtually.

Are you a business owner in the tourism industry looking to create strong connections in Southern Ontario? Do you want to meet other tourism stakeholders, that understand your perspective, to collaborate with? Are you looking to learn, challenge inherent biases, and improve skills needed for long-term success? Are you looking to be inspired and excited?

​For more information and to register visit www.sotourismconference.com.

We are very proud to announce that Hackforge, the parent organization of the Tourism Innovation Lab, is now Rainbow Registered! 

Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for LGBT+ friendly businesses and organizations recently launched by Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and Tourism HR Canada. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBT+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

Learn more about the Rainbow Registered program. 

The "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program​ will be expanding to new regions in British Columbia and Ontario 2023. Stay tuned for announcements. 

​Join our "Spark" Mentor Network and support up-and-coming and early stage tourism innovators in Canada by providing advice and guidance to help them take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. Contact us at [email protected]​ for more information on the program and how you can be a mentor.